Diwali 2026
Sunday, 8 November 2026 (today)
Rule: Kartika Amavasya (new moon); date set each year by DoPT
Kartika, Krishna Amavasya
- Amavasya Tithi Begins - 11:30 AM on Nov 08
- Amavasya Tithi Ends - 12:34 PM on Nov 09
Tithi times are the same everywhere in India (IST); sunrise-based dates are for New Delhi.
Other years: 2025: Monday, 20 October · 2027: Friday, 29 October
Holiday status
- Central Government offices
- Gazetted holiday: Central Government offices closed (DoPT list) (listed as "Diwali (Deepavali)"), Saka date Kartika 17.
- Banks (RBI)
-
Mon, 9 Nov: Agartala, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Gangtok, Guwahati, Imphal, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Raipur
Tue, 10 Nov: Ahmedabad, Belapur, Bengaluru, Dehradun, Gangtok, Mumbai, Nagpur
Wed, 11 Nov: Gangtok, Imphal, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Shimla
Bank holidays by city - Also known as
- Deepavali, Lakshmi Puja. The five days: Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali, Tamil Deepavali), Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja / Bali Pratipada (Gujarati New Year, Padwa), Bhai Dooj (Bhau Beej, Bhai Phonta).
Puja muhurat by city, Sunday, 8 November 2026
| City | Sunrise | Sunset | Pradosh Kaal | Nishita Kaal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 06:39 AM | 05:33 PM | 05:33 PM to 08:10 PM | 11:40 PM to 12:33 AM |
| Mumbai | 06:43 AM | 06:04 PM | 06:04 PM to 08:36 PM | 11:58 PM to 12:49 AM |
| Kolkata | 05:46 AM | 04:57 PM | 04:57 PM to 07:31 PM | 10:56 PM to 11:47 PM |
| Chennai | 06:06 AM | 05:42 PM | 05:42 PM to 08:11 PM | 11:29 PM to 12:19 AM |
| Bengaluru | 06:17 AM | 05:52 PM | 05:52 PM to 08:21 PM | 11:40 PM to 12:30 AM |
| Hyderabad | 06:19 AM | 05:43 PM | 05:43 PM to 08:14 PM | 11:36 PM to 12:26 AM |
| Ahmedabad | 06:50 AM | 06:00 PM | 06:00 PM to 08:34 PM | 11:59 PM to 12:51 AM |
| Pune | 06:39 AM | 06:00 PM | 06:00 PM to 08:32 PM | 11:54 PM to 12:45 AM |
| Jaipur | 06:42 AM | 05:41 PM | 05:41 PM to 08:18 PM | 11:46 PM to 12:38 AM |
| Lucknow | 06:22 AM | 05:21 PM | 05:21 PM to 07:57 PM | 11:25 PM to 12:18 AM |
| Patna | 06:03 AM | 05:06 PM | 05:06 PM to 07:41 PM | 11:09 PM to 12:01 AM |
| Bhopal | 06:31 AM | 05:40 PM | 05:40 PM to 08:14 PM | 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM |
| Guwahati | 05:37 AM | 04:39 PM | 04:39 PM to 07:14 PM | 10:42 PM to 11:34 PM |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 06:14 AM | 06:01 PM | 06:01 PM to 08:27 PM | 11:43 PM to 12:32 AM |
Pradosh Kaal: the first fifth of the night after sunset. Nishita Kaal: the eighth of the fifteen night muhurtas, around midnight. Check that the tithi is still running at the time you choose.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of India's most major religious festivals, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated across the country, it falls on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, typically between late October and mid-November.
Good to know
Diwali (Deepavali) is a gazetted holiday for Central Government offices, so government offices, schools and post offices close. Bank closures follow the RBI list for each city and can fall on Lakshmi Puja, Bali Pratipada or Bhai Dooj, so banks in some cities stay open on Diwali itself (in 2026 New Delhi has no Diwali bank holiday). The stock exchanges hold a short Muhurat trading session in the evening.
History
The origins of Diwali stem from ancient epics and spiritual traditions across multiple religions. In Hinduism, the festival primarily marks the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and their victory over the demon king Ravana. To welcome their return, the residents of Ayodhya illuminated the entire city with rows of earthen lamps. In southern India, Diwali also commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, while across the country, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
The occasion holds deep significance for other faith communities in India as well. For Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the liberation (moksha) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, at Pawapuri in 527 BCE. For Sikhs, the day is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, from Gwalior Fort in 1619 alongside 52 captive kings.
How it is observed
Preparations begin days in advance with deep cleaning, renovating, and decorating homes and workplaces. On the main evening, families dress in new clothes, create colourful rangoli patterns at entrances, and light dozens of clay oil lamps (diyas) and candles. Devotees perform Lakshmi Puja to seek blessings of prosperity and wisdom, followed by the exchange of traditional sweets and gifts among relatives and neighbours. Festive gatherings often feature sparklers and fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Facts
- The word 'Diwali' derives from the Sanskrit term 'Deepavali', which translates literally to 'a row of lights'.
- The earliest written reference to the term 'Dipalikaya' appears in the Harivamsha Purana, an ancient text composed by the Jain scholar Acharya Jinasena.
- Indian stock exchanges, including the BSE and NSE, conduct a special symbolic one-hour trading session called 'Muhurat Trading' on Diwali evening to mark the start of a prosperous new financial year.
- In West Bengal and parts of Eastern India, the primary celebration on Diwali night is Kali Puja rather than Lakshmi Puja.
Questions about Diwali
When is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is a movable festival based on the Hindu lunar calendar. It takes place on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik, which usually occurs between late October and mid-November.
Why are diyas lit during Diwali?
Lighting earthen oil lamps (diyas) represents the triumph of knowledge and virtue over ignorance and darkness, and serves as an invitation for divine light and positive energy into homes.
How many days does Diwali last?
The broader festival spans five days, starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj, with the main Lakshmi Puja observed on the third day.
Is Diwali celebrated by non-Hindus in India?
Yes, Diwali is widely observed by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, each community attributing its own distinct historical and spiritual significance to the day.
Source: DoPT O.M. dated 03.07.2025 (2026) and 16.07.2026 (2027)